Think for Yourself: How Libraries Protect Your Right to Know

The age of information is upon us. The internet provides sources for the most arcane levels of knowledge, and with a few keystrokes, people can find information about nearly anything. That would seem to be the height of intellectual freedom. Instead, the world is floundering under the spread of considerable misinformation and disinformation churning out 24/7/365, causing people to wonder what to trust, or worse, to trust sources that aren’t reliable. It appears that, alongside intellectual freedom, people also need help with information literacy, and what better group to help with that than libraries?

The Problem

Multiple problems exist in how people consume and understand information today. There’s a lot of talk about misinformation/disinformation, which sound like the same thing, but aren’t: Misinformation is when someone accidentally gets facts wrong and shares incorrect information. It’s more of a mistake. Disinformation, however, is more premeditated; it’s information that someone knows is wrong or false, and they deliberately share it anyway.

This is not just annoying, but can be dangerous, such as when medical disinformation spreads and leads someone to become ill with something that could have been prevented. In 2024, the World Economic Forum listed disinformation as one of the top global risks, especially in relation to the environment.

When there are myriad resources for information, the onslaught can feel chaotic and overwhelming. And when resources contradict each other, and both mis- and disinformation are circulating, it can be hard to be sure what’s real, reputable information and what should be ignored. That leads people to lose trust in information altogether because they’re so unsure what’s right and what they can believe.

Worse, when people trust sources that aren’t reliable, they become increasingly entrenched in what they believe, even when there’s plenty of information to the contrary. This leads to growing polarization between people who used to be able to find common ground.

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Libraries Cut Through the Chaos

Libraries can be rich resources, not just for information itself, but also for how to find trustworthy, verifiable info—and for thinking critically and coming to conclusions on your own without relying on dubious data. One of the main missions for libraries is to protect and promote intellectual freedom. To do that, they provide free access to vetted, credible, nonpartisan information, available to any library patron. Librarians are guides to information, helping people get the info they need, not gatekeepers keeping people out.

What’s more, libraries value patrons' privacy, recognizing that finding accurate information and learning how to evaluate various forms of media can be stressful. Providing a nonjudgmental, calm, grounded environment helps patrons feel respected and encouraged to learn.

By also providing clarity and guidance on how to find trusted resources, libraries help patrons advance their understanding of how to manage digital information overload. Above all, librarians believe people have the right to intellectual freedom—and the right to develop intellectual literacy to manage it better.

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How Libraries Protect Intellectual Freedom

There are too many ways libraries protect the right to know to list in one article. These are just overviews of the services and commitments that libraries provide. Check with your local library to learn what they specifically offer and how they can help you.

Many libraries, recognizing the growing need for intellectual and media literacy, offer training to help people understand what’s out there and how to evaluate it. Both school and public libraries do these, but it’s critical to understand that it’s not just for kids and teens. Whether someone is a digital native or a digital immigrant, there’s still plenty to learn.

Libraries use many tools to give their communities access to information. Some examples of what they provide include:

• Privacy-Protecting Search Tools. The American Library Association has a checklist of items libraries should have to protect their patrons and maintain their privacy, including setting up public computers to purge download and browsing history, offering privacy screens for patrons who want them, and providing education on privacy and data security.
• Access to Diverse Viewpoints. This can take many forms, including diversity among library staff and the diversity of materials available to patrons. That can include books, movies, music, classes, and other opportunities from different perspectives.
• Reference Support That Helps People Evaluate Sources. The American Library Association has tools and training for librarians to help people of any age learn to evaluate sources.
• Community Spaces That Encourage Dialogue and Learning. Many libraries have public spaces, such as meeting rooms, available for civic groups, nonprofits, educators, and other groups that want a convenient, cost-free place to gather and discuss a wide variety of topics or take action on various issues.

When in doubt—and to be honest, there can be considerable doubt when considering the 24/7 news cycle and the ever-changing media landscape—check with your library. The staff there will be more than happy to help you understand what resources they have available and how to stay informed through trustworthy sources. Be sure to support library ballot measures that come up in your local elections, and share this article to help others understand what’s at stake in maintaining intellectual freedom.

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